JP6945338B2 - Medical image diagnostic equipment and magnetic resonance imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

Conventionally, medical image diagnostic devices such as a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device) and an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device may perform synchronous imaging synchronized with a biological signal of a subject. In synchronous imaging, data is collected to generate an image in synchronization with an electrocardiographic signal, a respiratory signal, a pulse wave signal, or the like of a subject. In such synchronous imaging, when the cycle of the biological signal is disturbed, the effective range of the time interval indicating the cycle of the biological signal is set as a condition for determining whether or not the collected data is valid data. May be set.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-174644 Japanese Patent No. 2739131 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-340838 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-287949 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-286740 Republished WO 2013/062049

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of more appropriately setting an effective range of a time interval used in synchronous imaging.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a collecting unit, a derivation unit, a setting unit, and a display control unit. The collecting unit collects information on the time interval indicating the cycle of the biological signal of the subject. The derivation unit derives the distribution of the time interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the time interval. The setting unit sets an effective range, which is a range of the time interval used as a condition for determining effective data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the biological signal. The display control unit displays the distribution information representing the distribution of the time interval, and displays the distribution of the time interval included in the effective range in the distribution information so as to be distinguishable.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to setting of imaging conditions performed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the predicted imaging time by the display control function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of displaying the predicted imaging time by the display control function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to setting of imaging conditions performed by the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the MRI apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to setting of imaging conditions performed by the MRI apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function according to the first modification. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function according to the second modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, as an example of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus, an application example relating to the MRI apparatus will be described.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power supply 3, a transmission coil 4, a transmission circuit 5, a reception coil 6, and a reception circuit 7. It includes a gantry 8, a sleeper 9, an input circuit 10, a display 11, a storage circuit 12, processing circuits 13 to 16, an ECG (Electrocardiogram) sensor 17, and an ECG circuit 18.

The static magnetic field magnet 1 is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a magnet having an elliptical cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder), and generates a static magnetic field in the inner space. For example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 has a cooling container formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and a magnet such as a superconducting magnet immersed in a cooling material (for example, liquid helium or the like) filled in the cooling container. ing. Here, for example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 may be one that generates a static magnetic field by using a permanent magnet. Further, for example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 is not formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, but has a so-called open type structure in which a pair of magnets are arranged so as to face each other with an imaging space in which the subject S is arranged. It may have.

The gradient magnetic field coil 2 is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including one having an elliptical cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder), and is arranged inside the static magnetic field magnet 1. The gradient magnetic field coil 2 includes three coils that generate gradient magnetic fields along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Here, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis form a device coordinate system unique to the MRI device 100. For example, the x-axis direction is set to the horizontal direction and the y-axis direction is set to the vertical direction. Further, the direction of the z-axis is set to be the same as the direction of the magnetic flux of the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1.

The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 individually supplies a current to each of the three coils included in the gradient magnetic field coil 2, so that the gradient magnetic field along each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis is applied to the space inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2. generate. By appropriately generating a gradient magnetic field along each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, it is possible to generate a gradient magnetic field along each of the lead-out direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction.

Here, the axes along the lead-out direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction each form a logical coordinate system for defining the slice region or volume region to be imaged. In the following, the gradient magnetic field along the lead-out direction is referred to as a lead-out gradient magnetic field, the gradient magnetic field along the phase-encoded direction is referred to as a phase-encoded gradient magnetic field, and the gradient magnetic field along the slice direction is referred to as a slice gradient magnetic field. ..

Then, each gradient magnetic field is superimposed on the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1 and used to give spatial position information to the MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal. Specifically, the lead-out gradient magnetic field imparts position information along the lead-out direction to the MR signal by changing the frequency of the MR signal according to the position in the lead-out direction. Further, the phase-encoded gradient magnetic field imparts position information in the phase-encoded direction to the MR signal by changing the phase of the MR signal along the phase-encoded direction. The slice gradient magnetic field is used to determine the direction, thickness, and number of slice regions when the imaging region is a slice region, and depends on the position in the slice direction when the imaging region is a volume region. By changing the phase of the MR signal, the MR signal is given position information along the slice direction.

The transmission coil 4 is an RF (Radio Frequency) coil that applies an RF magnetic field to the space inside the transmission coil 4. Specifically, the transmission coil 4 is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a coil having an elliptical cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder), and is arranged inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2. .. Then, the transmission coil 4 applies an RF magnetic field to the inner space based on the RF pulse output from the transmission circuit 5.

The transmission circuit 5 outputs an RF pulse corresponding to the Larmor frequency to the transmission coil 4. For example, the transmission circuit 5 includes an oscillation circuit, a phase selection circuit, a frequency conversion circuit, an amplitude modulation circuit, and a high frequency amplifier circuit. The oscillator circuit generates an RF pulse with a resonance frequency specific to the target nucleus placed in a static magnetic field. The phase selection circuit selects the phase of the RF pulse output from the oscillation circuit. The frequency conversion circuit converts the frequency of the RF pulse output from the phase selection circuit. The amplitude modulation circuit modulates the amplitude of the RF pulse output from the frequency conversion circuit according to, for example, a sinc function. The high-frequency amplifier circuit amplifies the RF pulse output from the amplitude modulation circuit and outputs it to the transmission coil 4.

The receiving coil 6 is an RF coil that receives the MR signal emitted from the subject S. For example, the receiving coil 6 is attached to the subject S arranged inside the transmitting coil 4, and receives the MR signal emitted from the subject S under the influence of the RF magnetic field applied by the transmitting coil 4. Then, the receiving coil 6 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 7. For example, for the receiving coil 6, a dedicated coil is used for each part to be imaged. Here, the dedicated coil is, for example, a receiving coil for the head, a receiving coil for the neck, a receiving coil for the shoulder, a receiving coil for the chest, a receiving coil for the abdomen, a receiving coil for the lower limbs, and a receiving coil for the spine. The receiving coil and the like.

The receiving circuit 7 generates MR signal data based on the MR signal output from the receiving coil 6, and outputs the generated MR signal data to the processing circuit 14. For example, the receiving circuit 7 includes a selection circuit, a pre-stage amplifier circuit, a phase detection circuit, and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit. The selection circuit selectively inputs the MR signal output from the receiving coil 6. The pre-stage amplifier circuit amplifies the MR signal output from the selection circuit. The phase detection circuit detects the phase of the MR signal output from the pre-stage amplifier circuit. The analog-to-digital conversion circuit generates MR signal data by converting the analog signal output from the phase detection circuit into a digital signal, and outputs the generated MR signal data to the processing circuit 14.

Here, an example in which the transmitting coil 4 applies an RF magnetic field and the receiving coil 6 receives an MR signal will be described, but the form of each RF coil is not limited to this. For example, the transmitting coil 4 may further have a receiving function of receiving the MR signal, and the receiving coil 6 may further have a transmitting function of applying an RF magnetic field. When the transmitting coil 4 has a receiving function, the receiving circuit 7 also generates MR signal data from the MR signal received by the transmitting coil 4. When the receiving coil 6 has a transmitting function, the transmitting circuit 5 also outputs an RF pulse to the receiving coil 6.

The gantry 8 accommodates a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, and a transmission coil 4. Specifically, the gantry 8 has a hollow bore B formed in a cylindrical shape, and the static magnetic field magnet 1, the gradient magnetic field coil 2, and the transmission coil 4 are arranged so as to surround the bore B. , A static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, and a transmission coil 4 are accommodated. Here, the space inside the bore B in the gantry 8 becomes an imaging space in which the subject S is arranged when the subject S is imaged.

The bed 9 includes a top plate 9a on which the subject S is placed, and when the subject S is imaged, the top plate 9a is inserted inside the bore B of the gantry 8. For example, the sleeper 9 is installed so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1.

The input circuit 10 receives various instructions and various information input operations from the operator. Specifically, the input circuit 10 is connected to the processing circuit 16 and converts the input operation received from the operator into an electric signal and outputs it to the processing circuit 16. For example, the input circuit 10 is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

The display 11 displays various information and various images. Specifically, the display 11 is connected to the processing circuit 16 and converts various information and various image data sent from the processing circuit 16 into electrical signals for display and outputs the data. For example, the display 11 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

The storage circuit 12 stores various data. Specifically, the storage circuit 12 stores MR signal data and image data. For example, the storage circuit 12 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

The processing circuit 13 has a sleeper control function 13a. For example, the processing circuit 13 is realized by a processor. The sleeper control function 13a is connected to the sleeper 9 and outputs a control electric signal to the sleeper 9 to control the operation of the sleeper 9. For example, the bed control function 13a receives an instruction from the operator to move the top plate 9a in the longitudinal direction, the vertical direction, or the horizontal direction via the input circuit 10, and moves the top plate 9a according to the received instruction. The drive mechanism of the top plate 9a of the bed 9 is operated.

The processing circuit 14 has an execution function 14a. For example, the processing circuit 14 is realized by a processor. The execution function 14a collects MR signal data by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 3, the transmission circuit 5, and the reception circuit 7 based on the sequence execution data output from the processing circuit 16.

Here, the sequence execution data is information that defines a pulse sequence indicating a procedure for collecting MR signal data. Specifically, the sequence execution data includes the timing at which the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies the current to the gradient magnetic field coil 2, the strength of the supplied current, and the strength and supply of the RF pulse supplied by the transmission circuit 5 to the transmission coil 4. This is information that defines the timing, the detection timing at which the receiving circuit 7 detects the MR signal, and the like.

Further, the execution function 14a receives MR signal data from the reception circuit 7 as a result of executing various pulse sequences, and stores the received MR signal data in the storage circuit 12. The set of MR signal data received by the execution function 14a is arranged in two or three dimensions according to the position information given by the lead-out gradient magnetic field, the phase-encoded gradient magnetic field, and the slice gradient magnetic field described above. As a result, it is stored in the storage circuit 12 as data constituting the k space.

The processing circuit 15 has an image generation function 15a. For example, the processing circuit 15 is realized by a processor. The image generation function 15a generates an image based on the MR signal data stored in the storage circuit 12. Specifically, the image generation function 15a reads the MR signal data stored in the storage circuit 12 by the execution function 14a, and performs post-processing, that is, reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read MR signal data to obtain an image. Generate. Further, the image generation function 15a stores the image data of the generated image in the storage circuit 12.

The processing circuit 16 controls the entire MRI apparatus 100 by controlling each component of the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the processing circuit 16 is realized by a processor. For example, the processing circuit 16 receives an imaging condition (input of various parameters related to the pulse sequence, etc.) from the operator via the input circuit 10, and generates sequence execution data based on the accepted imaging condition. Then, the processing circuit 16 controls data collection of MR signal data by transmitting the generated sequence execution data to the processing circuit 14. Further, for example, the processing circuit 16 reads the image data of the image requested by the operator from the storage circuit 12, and outputs the read image to the display 11.

The ECG sensor 17 is attached to the body surface of the subject S and detects the electrocardiographic signal of the subject S. Then, the ECG sensor 17 outputs the detected electrocardiographic signal to the ECG circuit 18.

The ECG circuit 18 detects a predetermined electrocardiographic waveform based on the electrocardiographic signal output from the ECG sensor 17. For example, the ECG circuit 18 detects an R wave as a predetermined electrocardiographic waveform. Then, the ECG circuit 18 generates a trigger signal at the timing when a predetermined electrocardiographic waveform is detected, and outputs the generated trigger signal to the processing circuit 16. Here, the trigger signal may be transmitted from the ECG circuit 18 to the processing circuit 16 by wireless communication.

The configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Under such a configuration, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a function of performing synchronous imaging synchronized with the biological signal of the subject.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the MRI apparatus 100 performs synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal of the subject. For example, the MRI apparatus 100 executes a pulse sequence for data collection using the R wave included in the electrocardiographic waveform of the subject as a trigger signal. Specifically, the MRI apparatus 100 executes a pulse sequence for data acquisition based on the trigger signal output from the ECG circuit 18.

Further, the MRI apparatus 100 sets an RR interval as one of the imaging conditions, which is a reference for determining the execution condition of data collection synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal, when performing synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal. do. Here, the RR interval is an interval of R waves for each cycle included in the electrocardiographic waveform, and is used as a time interval (also referred to as a trigger interval) indicating the period of the electrocardiographic signal. For example, the MRI apparatus 100 determines the delay time from the detection of the trigger signal to the start of execution of the pulse sequence, the length of execution of the pulse sequence, and the like, based on the RR interval set as the imaging condition. ..

Here, in general, since the electrocardiographic signals have variations, the actually detected RR interval may not match the RR interval set as the imaging condition. That is, the RR interval set as the imaging condition does not determine the timing at which the pulse sequence is actually executed, but is set as a guide.

Therefore, when the MRI apparatus 100 performs synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal, the collected data is effective as one of the imaging conditions when the period of the electrocardiographic signal is disturbed due to arrhythmia or the like. Set the effective range of the RR interval for determining whether or not the data is data. Then, the MRI apparatus 100 detects the actual RR interval from the previous R wave to the current R wave each time the R wave is detected during the synchronous imaging, and the detected RR interval is calculated. If it is within the effective range, the data collected by the previous R wave is determined to be valid data. Here, when the detected RR interval is out of the effective range, the MRI apparatus 100 determines that the data collected by the previous R wave is invalid data, and recollects the data. For example, the MRI apparatus 100 has the same collection conditions as the data determined to be invalid in the next R wave when the RR interval is out of the effective range, or after the planned number of data collections have been performed. Recollect the data with.

However, in general, the variation of the electrocardiographic signal changes according to the state of the subject, so it is considered difficult to appropriately set the effective range of the RR interval when performing such synchronous imaging.

Therefore, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the effective range of the RR interval used in the synchronous imaging can be set more appropriately.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the processing circuit 16 has a collection function 16a, a derivation function 16b, a setting function 16c, and a display control function 16d. The collection function 16a is an example of a collection unit within the scope of claims. Further, the derivation function 16b is an example of a derivation unit within the scope of claims. Further, the setting function 16c is an example of a setting unit within the scope of claims. Further, the display control function 16d is an example of a display control unit within the scope of claims.

The collection function 16a collects RR interval information indicating the period of the electrocardiographic signal of the subject. Specifically, the collection function 16a collects information on the RR interval by measuring the RR interval based on the trigger signal output when the R wave is detected by the ECG circuit 18. Then, the collection function 16a stores the collected RR interval information in the storage circuit 12.

For example, the collection function 16a collects information on the RR interval with the subject S placed on the top plate 9a of the bed 9 before the subject S is imaged. For example, the collection function 16a collects RR interval information in a state where the subject S is arranged inside the bore B of the gantry 8 by the top plate 9a of the bed 9. The collection function 16a may collect information on the RR interval before the subject S is placed inside the bore B of the gantry 8.

For example, in the collection function 16a, the processing circuit 16 processes the trigger signal output from the ECG circuit 18 after the connection between the ECG sensor 17 mounted on the subject, the ECG circuit 18, and the processing circuit 16 is established. When it is detected, the collection of RR interval information is started. After that, the collection function 16a collects the information of the RR interval for a predetermined time.

The derivation function 16b derives the distribution of the RR interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the RR interval collected by the collection function 16a. Specifically, the derivation function 16b reads out the RR interval information collected by the collection function 16a from the storage circuit 12, and derives the distribution of the RR interval based on the read information.

For example, the derivation function 16b uses the information of the RR interval collected by the collection function 16a to perform statistical processing such as frequency distribution. The statistical processing performed by the derivation function 16b is not limited to the frequency distribution, and various known methods capable of obtaining a sample distribution can be used.

The setting function 16c sets the imaging conditions for synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal. Specifically, the setting function 16c sets an effective range, which is a range of RR intervals used as a condition for determining effective data in synchronous imaging synchronized with an electrocardiographic signal, as one of the imaging conditions. For example, the setting function 16c accepts an operation for designating an upper limit value and a lower limit value regarding the RR interval as one of the imaging conditions from the operator, and sets an effective range of the RR interval based on the accepted upper limit value and the lower limit value. do.

Further, the setting function 16c sets an RR interval as one of the imaging conditions, which is a reference for determining the execution condition of data collection synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal. For example, the setting function 16c accepts from the operator an operation of inputting a time to be set as an RR interval as one of the imaging conditions, and sets a reference RR interval based on the accepted time. Then, the setting function 16c determines the delay time from the detection of the trigger signal to the start of execution of the pulse sequence, the data collection time, and the like based on the set RR interval.

For example, the setting function 16c refers to the imaging conditions stored in advance in the storage circuit 12, and displays a plurality of parameters included in the imaging conditions on the display 11. For example, the storage circuit 12 stores imaging conditions including a plurality of parameters for each of a plurality or one imaging unit (also referred to as an imaging protocol). Then, the setting function 16c accepts an operation for editing each parameter displayed on the display 11 from the operator, and sets the imaging conditions used for imaging based on the edited parameters. In this case, for example, the imaging conditions stored in advance may include the effective range of the RR interval and the reference RR interval as one of the parameters.

The display control function 16d displays the distribution information representing the distribution of the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b on the display 11, and the distribution information includes the RR interval included in the effective range set by the setting function 16c. Display the distribution identifiable. Specifically, the display control function 16d reads the RR interval information collected by the collection function 16a from the storage circuit 12, and displays the distribution information on the display 11 based on the read information.

Further, the display control function 16d is an RR interval set when synchronous imaging is performed, and is a reference RR interval used for determining the execution condition of data collection synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal. It is displayed further in association with the distribution information of.

2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function 16d according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the display control function 16d displays a histogram showing the distribution of the RR intervals derived by the derivation function 16b. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents the RR interval, and the vertical axis represents the frequency of the RR interval. For example, the display control function 16d may display the distribution of the RR interval as a line graph or the like.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the display control function 16d displays the graphic 101 (solid line) at the position of the RR interval which is the upper limit value of the effective range set by the setting function 16c on the histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval. (Indicated by a straight line) is displayed, and graphic 102 (indicated by a solid straight line) is displayed at the position of the RR interval which is the lower limit value. Further, the display control function 16d displays the graphic 103 (indicated by a broken line) at the position of the RR interval set as the imaging condition by the setting function 16c on the histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval.

Further, the display control function 16d displays the range between the two graphics in a color different from the other ranges on the histogram showing the distribution of the RR intervals. In this way, by displaying the range between the graphic 101 showing the upper limit value of the effective range and the graphic 102 showing the lower limit value in a color different from the other ranges, on the histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval, The distribution of RR intervals included in the effective range is highlighted and the distribution is displayed identifiable.

Then, in the present embodiment, the setting function 16c described above receives an operation for designating the range of the RR interval with respect to the distribution information displayed by the display control function 16d from the operator, and based on the accepted range, the RR interval. Set the effective range of.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the setting function 16c receives from the operator an operation of moving the two graphics indicating the effective range displayed on the histogram of the RR interval in the horizontal axis direction. For example, the setting function 16c accepts an operation of expanding the effective range by accepting an operation of moving each graphic so that the two graphics are separated from each other. Alternatively, for example, the setting function 16c accepts an operation of reducing the effective range by accepting an operation of moving each graphic so that the two graphics come close to each other. For example, the setting function 16c accepts an operation of moving the position of the effective range by accepting an operation of moving the two graphics in the same direction. Then, the setting function 16c sets the effective range of the RR interval based on the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the RR interval indicated by each moved graphic. As a result, the operator can set or change the effective range of the RR interval while referring to the distribution information of the RR interval, and can more intuitively set the appropriate effective range of the RR interval. become.

The processing functions of the processing circuits 13 to 16 have been described above. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the processing functions of each processing circuit are realized by a single processing circuit, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The processing function of each processing circuit may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single processing circuit or a plurality of processing circuits.

Further, each processing function of the processing circuits 13 to 16 is stored in the storage circuit 12 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer, for example. Each processing circuit reads each program from the storage circuit 12 and executes each read program to realize a processing function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuits 13 to 16 in the state where each program is read have each processing function shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to setting of imaging conditions performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the collection function 16a first collects information on the RR interval indicating the period of the electrocardiographic signal of the subject (step S101).

After that, the derivation function 16b derives the distribution of the RR interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the RR interval collected by the collection function 16a (step S102). Further, the setting function 16c sets an effective range, which is a range of the RR interval used as a condition for determining effective data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal, as one of the imaging conditions (step S103). ..

Then, the display control function 16d displays the distribution information representing the distribution of the RR intervals derived by the derivation function 16b on the display 11 (step S104). Here, the display control function 16d identifiablely displays the distribution of the RR interval included in the effective range set by the setting function 16c in the distribution information (step S105).

After that, every time the effective range is changed by the operator (step S106, Yes), the setting function 16c resets the effective range within the changed range (step S107). Subsequently, the display control function 16d identifiablely displays the distribution of the RR interval included in the reset effective range in the distribution information (returning to step S105).

When the effective range is not changed by the operator (step S106, No) and the setting of the imaging condition is completed (step S108, Yes), the setting function 16c ends the process related to the setting of the imaging condition. do.

In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, an example in which the setting function 16c sets the effective range of the RR interval before the display control function 16d displays the distribution information has been described, but the embodiment is limited to this. I can't. For example, after the display control function 16d displays the distribution information, the setting function 16c may set the effective range of the RR interval.

Here, among the above-described processing procedures, step S101 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the collection function 16a from the storage circuit 12 and executing it. Further, step S102 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the derivation function 16b from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S103, S106, S107, and S108 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the setting function 16c from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S104 and S105 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the display control function 16d from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the distribution information representing the distribution of the RR interval is displayed, and the distribution of the RR interval included in the effective range in the distribution information is identifiablely displayed. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the effective range of the RR interval used in the synchronous imaging can be set more appropriately. Further, by displaying the result of statistical processing using the RR interval information, the operator can set a more appropriate RR interval and effective range when setting the imaging conditions. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor such as re-imaging that may occur due to improper RR interval set as the imaging condition, and it is possible to improve the throughput.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described. As described above, since the electrocardiographic signals generally have variations, the actually detected RR interval may not match the RR interval set as the imaging condition. Therefore, when the period of the electrocardiographic signal is disturbed due to arrhythmia or the like, the actual imaging time may differ from the imaging time calculated from the RR interval set as the imaging condition.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the prediction when the MRI apparatus 100 described in the first embodiment further performs synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal based on the distribution and effective range of the RR interval. An example of calculating and displaying the imaging time will be described. In this embodiment, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the components having the same role as the components of the MRI apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. A detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the MRI apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power supply 3, a transmission coil 4, a transmission circuit 5, a reception coil 6, and a reception circuit 7. It includes a gantry 8, a sleeper 9, an input circuit 10, a display 11, a storage circuit 12, processing circuits 13 to 15 and 26, an ECG (Electrocardiogram) sensor 17, and an ECG circuit 18.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the processing circuit 26 has a collection function 16a, a derivation function 16b, a setting function 16c, a first calculation function 26e, and a display control function 26d. The collection function 16a is an example of a collection unit within the scope of claims. Further, the derivation function 16b is an example of a derivation unit within the scope of claims. Further, the setting function 16c is an example of a setting unit within the scope of claims. The first calculation function 26e is an example of the first calculation unit in the claims. Further, the display control function 26d is an example of a display control unit within the scope of claims.

The first calculation function 26e is a predictive imaging when synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal is performed based on the distribution of the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b and the effective range set by the setting function 16c. Calculate the time.

For example, the first calculation function 26e calculates the predicted imaging time T using the following equation (1) based on the distribution of the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b.

T = Tx × {n × x / (x + y)} + Ty × {n × y / (x + y)} ・ ・ ・ (1)

Here, n is the number of times the data required for imaging is collected. Further, x is the number of RR intervals included in the effective range, and y is the number of RR intervals not included in the effective range. Further, Tx is the average value of the RR intervals included in the effective range, and Ty is the average value of the RR intervals not included in the effective range.

For example, when the number of times of data collection required for imaging is 10, the RR interval of 900 msec is included once and the RR interval of 800 msec is included 9 times in the 10 RR intervals. In this case, for example, the RR interval set as the imaging condition is about 800 msec. In this case, for example, if the imaging time is simply predicted from the set RR interval, the predicted imaging time is 800 msec × 10 times = 8000 msec.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in the case of the same example, the predicted imaging time calculated from the distribution information of the RR interval is 800 msec × 9 times + 900 msec × 1 time = 8100 msec, and a more accurate predicted imaging time is operated. It becomes possible to present it to a person. As the number of data collections increases, the error in the predicted imaging time becomes larger than when the imaging time is simply predicted from the set RR interval, and if the variation in the RR interval is large, this error becomes larger. Become.

Then, in the present embodiment, the display control function 26d further displays the predicted imaging time calculated by the first calculation function 26e on the display 11.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the predicted imaging time by the display control function according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the display control function 36d displays an imaging condition editing screen 210 on the display 11 for editing a plurality of parameters included in the imaging conditions when the imaging conditions are set by the operator. indicate. Then, for example, the display control function 36d displays the predicted imaging time 205 calculated by the first calculation function 26e on the imaging condition editing screen 210.

Alternatively, for example, the display control function 36d may display the predicted imaging time together with the distribution information of the RR interval.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of displaying the predicted imaging time by the display control function 26d according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control function 26d has a histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval, a graphic 101 showing the upper limit value of the effective range of the RR interval, and a lower limit value, as in the example shown in FIG. The graphic 102 showing the above and the graphic 103 showing the RR interval set as the imaging condition are displayed.

Then, in the present embodiment, the display control function 26d further displays the predicted imaging time 205 calculated by the first calculation function 26e in the vicinity of the histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval. For example, the predicted imaging time 205 may be displayed in a display area different from the display area in which the histogram showing the distribution of the RR intervals is displayed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to setting of imaging conditions performed by the MRI apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the collection function 16a first collects information on the RR interval indicating the period of the electrocardiographic signal of the subject (step S201).

After that, the derivation function 16b derives the distribution of the RR interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the RR interval collected by the collection function 16a (step S202). Further, the setting function 16c sets an effective range, which is a range of the RR interval used as a condition for determining effective data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal, as one of the imaging conditions (step S203). ..

After that, when the first calculation function 26e performs synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal based on the distribution of the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b and the effective range set by the setting function 16c. The predicted imaging time is calculated (step S204).

Then, the display control function 26d displays the distribution information representing the distribution of the RR intervals derived by the derivation function 16b on the display 11 (step S205). Here, the display control function 26d identifiablely displays the distribution of the RR interval included in the effective range set by the setting function 16c in the distribution information (step S206).

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control function 26d displays the predicted imaging time calculated by the first calculation function 26e (step S207).

After that, every time the effective range is changed by the operator (step S208, Yes), the setting function 16c resets the effective range within the changed range (step S209), and the first calculation function 26e resets. The predicted imaging time is recalculated based on the obtained effective range (step S210). Subsequently, the display control function 26d displays the distribution of the RR interval included in the reset effective range in the distribution information in an identifiable manner (returns to step S206), and further displays the recalculated predicted imaging time. (Step S207).

Then, when the effective range is not changed by the operator (step S208, No) and the setting of the imaging condition is completed (step S211, Yes), the setting function 16c ends the process related to the setting of the imaging condition. do.

In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8, when the setting function 16c sets the effective range of the RR interval and the first calculation function 26e calculates the predicted imaging time before the display control function 26d displays the distribution information. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, after the display control function 26d displays the distribution information, the setting function 16c may set the effective range of the RR interval, and the first calculation function 26e may calculate the predicted imaging time.

Here, among the above-described processing procedures, step S201 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the collection function 16a from the storage circuit 12 and executing it. Further, step S202 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the derivation function 16b from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S203, S208, S209, and S211 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the setting function 16c from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S204 and S210 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the first calculation function 26e from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S205 to S207 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the display control function 26d from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the predicted imaging time is calculated and displayed based on the distribution and effective range of the RR interval. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to present the operator with a more realistic predicted imaging time, for example, to reduce the breath-holding failure when the subject is made to hold his / her breath in the synchronous imaging. Can be done.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the MRI apparatus 100 described in the first embodiment is further included in the effective range with respect to the total number of RR intervals included in the RR interval information based on the distribution and effective range of the RR intervals. An example of calculating and displaying the ratio of the number of RR intervals to be displayed will be described. In this embodiment as well, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the components having the same role as the components of the MRI apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. A detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the MRI apparatus according to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the MRI apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power supply 3, a transmission coil 4, a transmission circuit 5, a reception coil 6, and a reception circuit 7. It includes a gantry 8, a sleeper 9, an input circuit 10, a display 11, a storage circuit 12, processing circuits 13 to 15 and 36, an ECG (Electrocardiogram) sensor 17, and an ECG circuit 18.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the processing circuit 36 has a collection function 16a, a derivation function 16b, a setting function 16c, a second calculation function 36f, and a display control function 36d. The collection function 16a is an example of a collection unit within the scope of claims. Further, the derivation function 16b is an example of a derivation unit within the scope of claims. Further, the setting function 16c is an example of a setting unit within the scope of claims. Further, the second calculation function 36e is an example of the second calculation unit in the claims. Further, the display control function 36d is an example of a display control unit within the scope of claims.

The second calculation function 36f includes the RR interval included in the information of the RR interval collected by the collection function 16a based on the distribution of the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b and the effective range set by the setting function 16c. Calculate the ratio of the number of RR intervals included in the effective range to the total number of. In the following, the ratio calculated by the derivation function 16b will be referred to as "RR interval coverage ratio".

Then, in the present embodiment, the display control function 36d further displays the coverage rate of the RR interval calculated by the second calculation function 36e on the display 11.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function 36d according to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the display control function 36d has a histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval, a graphic 101 showing the upper limit value of the effective range of the RR interval, and a lower limit value, as in the example shown in FIG. The graphic 102 showing the above and the graphic 103 showing the RR interval set as the imaging condition are displayed.

Then, in the present embodiment, the display control function 36d further displays the coverage rate 306 of the RR interval calculated by the second calculation function 36f in the vicinity of the histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval. For example, the coverage rate 306 of the RR interval may be displayed in a display area different from the display area in which the histogram showing the distribution of the RR interval is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to setting of imaging conditions performed by the MRI apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the collection function 16a first collects information on the RR interval indicating the period of the electrocardiographic signal of the subject S (step S301).

After that, the derivation function 16b derives the distribution of the RR interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the RR interval collected by the collection function 16a (step S302). Further, the setting function 16c sets an effective range, which is a range of the RR interval used as a condition for determining effective data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal, as one of the imaging conditions (step S303). ..

After that, the second calculation function 36f calculates the coverage rate of the RR interval based on the distribution of the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b and the effective range set by the setting function 16c (step S304).

Then, the display control function 36d displays the distribution information representing the distribution of the RR intervals derived by the derivation function 16b on the display 11 (step S305). Here, the display control function 36d identifiablely displays the distribution of the RR interval included in the effective range set by the setting function 16c in the distribution information (step S306).

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control function 36d displays the coverage rate of the RR interval calculated by the second calculation function 36f (step S307).

After that, every time the effective range is changed by the operator (step S308, Yes), the setting function 16c resets the effective range within the changed range (step S309), and the second calculation function 36f resets. The coverage rate of the RR interval is recalculated based on the effective range (step S310). Subsequently, the display control function 36d displays the distribution of the RR interval included in the reset effective range in the distribution information in an identifiable manner (returns to step S306), and further, the recalculated coverage rate of the RR interval is displayed. Is displayed (step S307).

When the effective range is not changed by the operator (steps S308, No) and the setting of the imaging conditions is completed (steps S311, Yes), the setting function 16c ends the process related to the setting of the imaging conditions. do.

In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, the setting function 16c sets the effective range of the RR interval and the second calculation function 36f calculates the coverage rate of the RR interval before the display control function 36d displays the distribution information. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, after the display control function 36d displays the distribution information, the setting function 16c may set the effective range of the RR interval, and the second calculation function 36f may calculate the coverage rate of the RR interval.

Here, among the above-described processing procedures, step S301 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the collection function 16a from the storage circuit 12 and executing it. Further, step S302 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the derivation function 16b from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S303, S308, S309, and S311 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the setting function 16c from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S304 and S310 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the second calculation function 36f from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. Further, steps S305 to S307 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 16 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the display control function 36d from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the coverage rate of the RR interval is calculated and displayed based on the distribution and the effective range of the RR interval. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the operator can set or change the effective range of the RR interval while referring to the coverage rate of the RR interval, and the appropriate RR interval can be set more efficiently. You will be able to set the effective range of.

The MRI apparatus described in the above-described embodiment can be implemented by modifying some of the components described in one embodiment or by combining the components described in another embodiment. Is. Therefore, a modified example of the MRI apparatus described in the above-described embodiment will be described below.

(First modification)
For example, in the third embodiment, an example in which the second calculation function 36f calculates the coverage rate of the RR interval from the effective range of the RR interval has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the effective range of the RR interval may be set from the coverage rate of the RR interval.

In this case, for example, in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the setting function 16c is data effective in synchronous imaging with respect to the total number of time intervals included in the RR interval information collected by the collection function 16a. The ratio of the number of time intervals used as is set as the coverage rate of the RR interval. Further, the setting function 16c sets an effective range of the RR interval based on the distribution of the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b and the set coverage rate. At this time, the setting function 16c sets the effective range of the RR interval so that the set coverage rate is maintained.

For example, the setting function 16c accepts from the operator an operation of inputting a numerical value as the coverage rate of the RR interval as one of the imaging conditions, and sets the coverage rate based on the received numerical value. Here, for example, as described in the first embodiment, when the storage circuit 12 stores imaging conditions including a plurality of parameters for each of a plurality or one imaging unit (also referred to as an imaging protocol). , Coverage may be included as one of the parameters of the imaging condition stored in advance.

Then, the display control function 16d identifiablely displays the distribution of the RR intervals included in the effective range set by the setting function 16c in the distribution information representing the distribution of the RR intervals derived by the derivation function 16b.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function 16d according to the first modification. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the setting function 16c sets the effective range of the RR interval so that the set coverage rate is maintained, so that the arrhythmia in the information of the RR interval collected by the collection function 16a. Even when the above occurs, the effective range of the RR interval is set in the range other than the arrhythmia.

(Second modification)
Further, for example, the MRI apparatus may have both a function of calculating the coverage rate of the RR interval from the effective range of the RR interval and a function of deriving the effective range of the RR interval from the coverage rate of the RR interval. ..

In this case, for example, in the MRI apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment, the setting function 16c sets the coverage rate of the RR interval as in the above-described example, and the RR interval derived by the derivation function 16b. The effective range of the RR interval is set based on the distribution and the set coverage rate. Then, when the coverage rate of the RR interval is changed by the second calculation function 36f, the setting function 16c automatically changes the effective range of the RR interval based on the changed coverage rate. At this time, the setting function 16c changes the effective range of the RR interval so that the set coverage rate is maintained. On the other hand, the second calculation function 36f automatically adjusts the coverage rate of the RR interval based on the changed effective range when the effective range of the RR interval is changed by the setting function 16c, as in the third embodiment. Recalculate.

In this case, the display control function 36d displays the effective range of the RR interval displayed on the display 11 together with the distribution information of the RR interval based on the changed effective range when the effective range of the RR interval is changed. Change the display of. Further, the display control function 36d changes the display of the coverage rate displayed on the display 11 based on the recalculated coverage rate when the coverage rate of the RR interval is recalculated.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the RR interval displayed by the display control function 36d according to the second modification. For example, as shown on the upper side of FIG. 13, the display control function 36d displays a line graph showing the distribution of the RR intervals derived by the derivation function 16b. Then, the display control function 36d has the graphic 101 showing the upper limit value of the effective range of the RR interval and the graphic 102 showing the lower limit value on the line graph showing the distribution of the RR interval, as in the example shown in FIG. , The graphic 103 indicating the RR interval set as the imaging condition is displayed.

On the other hand, for example, as shown on the lower side of FIG. 13, the display control function 36d is an imaging condition for editing a plurality of parameters included in the imaging condition when the imaging condition is set by the operator. The edit screen 410 is displayed on the display 11. Then, for example, the display control function 36d displays the coverage rate of the RR interval calculated by the second calculation function 36f on the imaging condition editing screen 410.

Then, for example, the display control function 36d covers the image pickup condition editing screen 410 on the line graph showing the distribution of the RR interval when the coverage rate is changed from 70% to 90% by the operator. The graphics 101 and 102 displayed at the position indicating the effective range where the rate is 70% are moved to the position indicating the effective range where the coverage rate is 90%.

On the other hand, for example, in the display control function 36d, the graphics 101 and 102 displayed by the operator at positions indicating the effective range in which the coverage rate is 90% on the line graph showing the distribution of the RR interval have the coverage rate. When the image is moved to a position indicating an effective range of 70%, the coverage rate display is changed from 90% to 70% on the imaging condition editing screen 410.

(Third variant)
Further, for example, in the second embodiment, an example in which the first calculation function 26e calculates the predicted imaging time from the effective range set by the setting function 16c has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. .. For example, the predicted imaging time may be calculated from the coverage rate of the RR interval.

In this case, for example, in the MRI apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, the processing circuit 26 further has the second calculation function 36f described in the third embodiment. Then, the first calculation function 26e calculates the predicted imaging time based on the effective range of the RR interval set by the setting function 16c or the coverage rate of the RR interval calculated by the second calculation function 36f.

Here, for example, the first calculation function 26e calculates the predicted imaging time with the expectation that one data collection will occur when an RR interval outside the effective range is detected in the synchronous imaging. For example, the first calculation function 26e is based on the distribution of the RR intervals derived by the derivation function 16b, and the RR intervals outside the effective range with respect to the total number of RR intervals included in the RR interval information collected by the collection function 16a. Calculate the percentage of numbers. Then, the derivation function 16b uses the calculated ratio as the recurrence occurrence rate R, and calculates the predicted imaging time T using the following equation (2).

T = Tx × {n × x / (x + y)} + Ty × {n × y / (x + y)}
+ Tx × (n × R) ・ ・ ・ (2)

Here, n is the number of times the data required for imaging is collected. Further, x is the number of RR intervals included in the effective range, and y is the number of RR intervals not included in the effective range. Further, Tx is the average value of the RR intervals included in the effective range, and Ty is the average value of the RR intervals not included in the effective range.

Then, in the present embodiment, the display control function 26d further displays both the predicted imaging time calculated by the first calculation function 26e and the coverage rate of the RR interval calculated by the second calculation function 36f on the display 11. do.

(Fourth modification)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the MRI apparatus performs synchronous imaging using the R wave included in the electrocardiographic waveform of the subject as a trigger signal has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, even when the MRI apparatus performs synchronous imaging using a reference wave other than the R wave such as the T wave, P wave, and U wave included in the electrocardiographic waveform as a trigger signal, the reference wave is used instead of the R wave. Therefore, a similar embodiment can be implemented. In this case, for example, the MRI apparatus uses a TT interval, a PP interval, or a UU interval as the time interval indicating the period of the electrocardiographic signal.

(Fifth variant)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the MRI apparatus performs synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal of the subject has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, even when the MRI apparatus performs synchronous imaging synchronized with the respiratory signal or pulse wave signal of the subject, the same embodiment can be implemented by using the respiratory signal or pulse wave signal instead of the electrocardiographic signal. Is. In this case, for example, the MRI apparatus uses the interval of the peak value for each cycle in the waveform of the respiratory signal or the pulse wave signal as the time interval indicating the period of the electrocardiographic signal.

(Sixth variant)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the MRI apparatus has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the same embodiment can be implemented in other medical image diagnostic devices capable of synchronous imaging such as an X-ray CT device. In that case, for example, the processing circuit such as the console of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is configured to have the function of the processing circuit 16, 26 or 36 described above.

The word "processor" used in the above-described embodiment means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC), or programmable logic. It means a circuit such as a device (for example, a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). .. Here, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 12, the program may be configured to be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Further, each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to be configured as one processor to realize its function. good.

Here, the program executed by the processor is provided by being incorporated in a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage circuit, or the like in advance. This program is a file in a format that can be installed or executed on these devices, such as CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable storage medium. Further, this program may be provided or distributed by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. For example, this program is composed of modules including each function described later. In actual hardware, the CPU reads a program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes it, so that each module is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of more appropriately setting an effective range of a time interval used in synchronous imaging.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

100 Magnetic resonance imaging device 16 Processing circuit 16a Collection function 16b Derivation function 16c Setting function 16d Display control function

Claims (11)

An acquisition unit that acquires information about the subject's cardiac cycle,
Using the information, a derivation unit that derives the distribution of the trigger interval of the cardiac cycle, and
A setting unit that sets an effective range, which is a range of the trigger interval used as a condition for determining valid data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the information on the cardiac cycle, and a setting unit.
It is provided with a display control unit that displays the distribution of the trigger interval of the cardiac cycle on the display unit and displays the effective range in the distribution on the display unit.
The setting unit sets the ratio of the number of trigger intervals used as valid data in the synchronous imaging to the total number of the trigger intervals, and sets the effective range based on the distribution of the trigger intervals and the ratio. Medical diagnostic imaging equipment. A calculation unit for calculating the predicted imaging time when synchronous imaging is performed based on the effective range is further provided.
The display control unit causes the display unit to display the predicted imaging time.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. Further, a calculation unit for calculating the ratio of the number of trigger intervals used as valid data in the synchronous imaging to the total number of the trigger intervals is provided.
The display control unit causes the display unit to display the ratio.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. A collection unit that collects information on time intervals that indicate the cycle of the biological signal of the subject,
A derivation unit that derives the distribution of the time interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the time interval, and
A setting unit that sets an effective range, which is a range of the time interval used as a condition for determining effective data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the biological signal, and a setting unit.
It is provided with a display control unit that displays distribution information representing the distribution of the time interval and identifiablely displays the distribution of the time interval included in the effective range in the distribution information.
The setting unit sets the ratio of the number of time intervals used as valid data in the synchronous imaging to the total number of time intervals included in the time interval information, and is based on the distribution of the time intervals and the ratio. A medical diagnostic imaging device that sets the effective range. A first calculation unit for calculating the predicted imaging time when the synchronous imaging is performed based on the distribution of the time interval and the effective range is further provided.
The display control unit further displays the predicted imaging time.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4. A second calculation unit for calculating the ratio of the number of time intervals included in the effective range to the total number of time intervals included in the time interval information based on the distribution of the time interval and the effective range is further provided.
The display control unit further displays the ratio.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. When the ratio is changed, the setting unit resets the effective range based on the changed ratio.
When the effective range is changed, the second calculation unit recalculates the ratio based on the changed effective range.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 6. A collection unit that collects information on time intervals that indicate the cycle of the biological signal of the subject,
A derivation unit that derives the distribution of the time interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the time interval, and
A setting unit that sets an effective range, which is a range of the time interval used as a condition for determining effective data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the biological signal, and a setting unit.
A second calculation unit that calculates the ratio of the number of time intervals included in the effective range to the total number of time intervals included in the time interval information based on the distribution of the time interval and the effective range.
It is provided with a display control unit that displays distribution information representing the distribution of the time interval and the ratio, and also displays the distribution of the time interval included in the effective range in the distribution information in an identifiable manner.
When the ratio is changed, the setting unit resets the effective range based on the changed ratio.
When the effective range is changed, the second calculation unit recalculates the ratio based on the changed effective range.
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment. The setting unit receives an operation for designating a range of time intervals for the displayed distribution information from the operator, and sets the effective range based on the accepted range.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8. The display control unit associates the distribution information with a time interval set when the synchronous imaging is performed, which is a reference time interval for determining an execution condition of data collection synchronized with the biological signal. To display more,
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9. A collection unit that collects information on the RR interval, which indicates the period of the electrocardiographic signal of the subject,
A derivation unit that derives the distribution of the RR interval by performing statistical processing using the information of the RR interval, and
A setting unit for setting an effective range, which is a range of the RR interval used as a condition for determining valid data in synchronous imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal, and a setting unit.
It is provided with a display control unit that displays distribution information representing the distribution of the RR interval and identifiablely displays the distribution of the RR interval included in the effective range in the distribution information.
The setting unit sets the ratio of the number of RR intervals used as valid data in the synchronous imaging to the total number of RR intervals included in the RR interval information, and is based on the distribution of the RR intervals and the ratio. A magnetic resonance imaging device that sets the effective range.

Images